On 24 April 2026, the Royal Thai Embassy in Oslo, in partnership with the Thai Dance and Music Association, Bunditpattanasilpa Institute of Fine Arts, and Baan Thaisiri Academy, organized “Thailand's UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages: A Traditional Showcase” at Kronesalen Hall, Sentralen. The event welcomed over 100 distinguished guests, including executives from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives from the Storting, foreign ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, and the local Thai community.

 

In her opening remarks, H.E. Ms. Nitivadee Manitkul, Ambassador of Thailand to Norway, highlighted Thailand’s rich cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO, including the Songkran festival (inscribed in 2023), “Khon” masked dance (2018), “Nora” dance (2021), and Tom Yum Kung (2024). A special tribute was paid to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother for her dedication in formalizing "Chud Thai" (Thai national dress), which is currently nominated for UNESCO inscription this year. The Ambassador warmly recalled when Her Majesty wore the Chud Thai Siwalai during a state banquet honoring His Majesty King Olav V of Norway in 1965, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two nations. The Ambassador further noted that national costumes have increasingly been recognized as intangible cultural heritage, citing the Kebaya—jointly nominated by Thailand and four ASEAN countries—as well as Norway's Buunad which were inscribed in 2024.

 

The cultural showcase featured the traditional bathing of the Buddha image, joined by foreign ambassadors. Guests were then treated to a spectacular Khon performance of the "Kasirathara" episode, a Chud Thai fashion show modeling all eight official styles by the Thai community, a solo Ranad-ek musical performance, and vibrant dances representing Thailand's four regions. The event concluded with a heartwarming Songkran water-pouring ceremony, where performers poured water over the hands of the foreign dignitaries as a traditional gesture of respect. To complete the experience, the Embassy presented guests with ingredient sets and recipes for preparing Tom Yum Kung at home.

 

The Royal Thai Embassy expresses its sincere appreciation to Sentralen for their generous venue support, as well as to all performers, MCs, and partnering organizations for their invaluable contributions in successfully promoting Thai culture in Norway with pride.